Women's group hopes to fight frumpiness in Carson Valley

Carson Valley residents can breathe a sigh of relief.

Although a chapter of the Blue Thong Society may form in the Valley, members don't necessarily wear blue thongs, a founding member told a Carson City reporter a couple of weeks ago.

Last week, BTS co-founder, Jackie Tushinsky, of San Diego, called The Record-Courier regarding the Jan. 9 Nevada Appeal article about the emergence of a new chapter of BTS, the High Sierra Thong Snappers in Carson City. She said there has also been some interest shown in starting a chapter in Carson Valley.

Since it began a year and a half ago, the society has expanded to include about 80 chapters and 1,000 members in the U.S. and Mexico, including the Carson City chapter, as well as chapters in Reno and Sparks.

The Blue Thong Society, for women ages 21 and over who are interested in establishing friendships and just having fun together, was formed as an alternative to The Red Hat Society, according to Tushinsky.

"When we (she and co-founder, chapter director coordinator Mary Jo Wallo) turned 50, we couldn't see ourselves as Red Hatters," said Tushinsky.

Although the organization was created by former flower girls of the rebellious 1960s, the members decided to open it up to any age, as long as they could legally lift a blue martini.

"It's really for any age," said Tushinsky.

The group that is all about "fighting frump," boasting they will never stop fighting for what they believe in (wearing hip-huggers and bell bottoms), also requires each of its chapters to choose a charity to support.

The Carson City chapter has chosen to sponsor Advocates to End Domestic Violence.

The next meeting of the High Sierra Thong Snappers is 5 p.m. Thursday at the Silver Oak Golf Club in Carson City. The meeting will feature Dr. Robin James, an alternative medical practitioner and internationally recognized expert in clinical nutrition and mind-body interactions, as well as a demonstration in making gift bags for a women's shelter by Karin Tancrell.

Since the article was published in the Appeal, Tushinsky said a couple of Minden residents have shown interest in starting a local chapter. She suggests that those interested in starting a Valley chapter should go to the Web site www.bluethongsociety.com and fill out a survey and membership application.